Biblical Answer

Understanding the Commandment

The commandment to "love our neighbors as ourselves" is a profound treatment for failure and shame, yet it seems counterintuitive at first. The biblical revelation reminds us that human beings are not self-explanatory; they derive their meaning from outside themselves, from God in whose image they are made. We are not autonomous individuals, creating ourselves constantly, but rather beings created by God with a purpose and meaning that is external to ourselves.

What it Means to Love Our Neighbor

To love our neighbors as ourselves does not mean to feel fond of them or find them attractive. It is not about enjoying their society or having a sense of fondness for them. Rather, it means to treat them with the same love, kindness, and respect that we would want for ourselves. This is not about being friends or having a personal relationship with them, but rather about showing love and care for them as our neighbors. This includes being mindful of their well-being, their needs, and their struggles, and treating them with compassion, empathy, and kindness.

Loving Our Neighbor as Ourselves in a Chaotic World

In a chaotic world filled with noise and distractions, loving our neighbors as ourselves can be challenging. However, it is precisely in these situations that we are called to shine like a bright light in a dark world. When we react without violence, but with love and righteousness, we demonstrate the power of God's love in our lives. This is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who said that if we love our neighbors as ourselves, we do so because we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. In this sense, loving our neighbor as ourselves is not just a moral obligation, but a reflection of our love for God and our desire to live a life that honors Him. By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we demonstrate our love for God and our commitment to living a life that is marked by love, kindness, and compassion.